Manuel Pellegrini’s decision to pursue a fresh centre-back signing is perhaps surprising given the £32m invested in French youngster Eliaqium Mangala over the summer, especially as only one side has conceded fewer Premier League goals than the reigning champions.

This source claims that Man City will offer £8m for the 31 year old Bernabeu star, which in today’s market seems far below the Portuguese international’s transfer market value.

Carlo Ancelotti has alternated between Pepe and Raphael Varane as partner’s for Sergio Ramos and there is a chance that Real Madrid could consider offers for the former FC Porto man though surely not for such a paltry fee.

Pepe has made 259 appearances for the Spanish giants since moving to the club in 2007.